There will be two Great Britain Olympic champions joining Canada women — Rio’s captain-coach combination reunited — after Kate Richardson-Walsh was announced as assistant coach to Danny Kerry.
In another major coup for the world No.16 nation, the news comes eight weeks after the appointment of former GB women’s coach Kerry as head coach.
Currently Hampstead & Westminster coach, Richardson-Walsh said that her “knowledge on the game, leadership, and team culture” can help in her new role after 18 years playing international hockey.
She said: “I hope to blend this with my experience coaching Hampstead & Westminster in the English Premier League for the last five seasons to help the team and each player thrive.
On working alongside Kerry, she added: “I have long admired the spirit and energy of the Canadian women’s team and I believe our collective strengths will combine well across the programme.”
Susan Ahrens, CEO of Field Hockey Canada, said that her impact will be far-reaching.
“Kate’s golden career in sport speaks for itself – she is one of hockey’s greatest and an icon of our game,” she said.
“Equally impressive has been her transition from athlete to coach and captain to a leader in other fields. Kate stands for excellence and uses her voice to advocate for women in sport and other groups whose voices need to be heard, including LGBTQ+ human rights. We are proud to have her as part of our Canadian hockey community.”
Kerry said his former captain would be a much-needed addition to the coaching staff.
He said: “Kate will bring a depth and granular understanding of what it is like to train as an Olympian, the standards required, an understanding of the women’s international game and the critical importance of the qualities needed in people to form a high performing team.
“Having worked with Kate for over 13 years, over multiple successful Olympic cycles I know Kate will bring needed support and challenge to myself, to the team and to the staff. Kate is a world class individual who will add incredible value.”
